---
title: Changes to MIMS Iodine-containing compounds allergy classes – February 2024
slug: portal-sub/Rfnn-changes-to-mims-iodine-containing-compounds-allergy-classes-february-2024
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-03-04T12:03:18.202Z
---

This article describes changes around iodine-containing compounds allergy classes. If you prescribe medications, please read this article.**Download the attached FOQ at the bottom of this article.**

CHANGES TO MIMS IODINE-CONTAINING COMPOUNDS ALLERGY CLASSES

MIMS have notified us that after extensive review, the editorial team has decided to **delete the Iodine-containing compounds allergy class** and **replace it with the following allergy classes**. This is necessary because current guidelines do not support broad cross-reactivity between all iodine-containing compounds (e.g. potassium iodide vs iotroxate meglumine). Also refer to [Detailed reasons for the change](bookmark%3A//_Detailed_reasons_for) section below for more information.

Substances that were listed under “Iodine-containing” compounds will be reclassified under the three new allergy classes:

1. **Iodinated contrast media**
2. **Iodine and iodine compounds**
3. **Iodine radioisotopes **

In addition, the following Cross Sensitivities have been created to support precaution on potential cross-reactivities between the molecules:

1. **Amiodarone - Iodine and iodine compounds**. A case of allergic reaction to amiodarone was reported in a patient with a history of iodine allergy. 
2. **Iodine and iodine compounds - Iodinated contrast media -**In one study, two patients were reported to be sensitised to povidone-iodine and radiocontrast media. However, another study demonstrated that iodine is rarely the eliciting agent in hypersensitivity reactions to radiocontrast media.

These changes have been included in the data release for February 2024 and subsequent.

What this means in Profile/HCC

What MIMS refers to as “allergy class” is - in Profile terms, a formulary group of type “Specific Allergen”.

**Iodine-containing compounds**was – up to the January formulary - a Specific Allergen group: 

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In Profile/HCC patients may have an adverse reaction to the “**Iodine-containing compounds**” group recorded, e.g.: 

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If a patient has an adverse reaction to “**Iodine-containing compounds**”and you are set up to be alerted for adverse reactions, an alert would have come up when prescribing any medication belonging to this group. For example – before this change – this would have happened when prescribing “GastrografinLiquid 100 mL”.

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After importing the February MIMS files

1. In the formulary, the “**Iodine-containing compounds**” groupno longer exists.
2. The new specific allergen groups mentioned above will be in the formulary:
3. Iodinated contrast media
4. Iodine and iodine compounds
5. Iodine radioisotopes 
6. The two new cross-sensitivity allergen groups mentioned above will be in the formulary:
7. Amiodarone - Iodine and iodine compounds
8. Iodine and iodine compounds - Iodinated contrast media
9. When prescribing substances that were previously included in the “**Iodine-containing compounds**”group (e.g. “Gastrografin…”),no ‘adverse reaction’ warning will come up, unless an adverse reaction to one or more of the new specific allergen groupsis added to the patient. 

Impact and recommended actions

We recommend you review patients with “**Iodine-containing compounds**” allergies and take appropriate action using your clinical judgement and [Appendix A](bookmark%3A//_Appendix_A)as a reference. Actions may include:

1. Replacing the adverse reaction to the obsolete specific allergen group with a more suitable candidate – if available. This may be another specific allergen group or even the actual allergen(s) or product(s). The more specific, the better.
2. If you cannot determinean appropriate replacement, you may want to add a reminder against the patient record to conduct a review during the next patient encounter. 

If a suitable alternative candidate is available, adjust it as required.

1. Open the adverse reaction to “Iodine-containing compounds” using your preferred method, e.g. double-click on it from the Problems view, or from an encounter, Scripts or Adverse panel. 
2. In the ***Code*** field, click on the ellipses. The *Select disease code* window will open. 
3. In the ***Look for*** field, search for the new appropriate specific allergen group, allergen,or product. The following are just *examples*: 

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OR

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OR

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4. Press ***OK***.
5. In the confirmation prompt, press ***Update***. 

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6. Press ***OK***. The adverse reaction has now been updated for the patient accordingly, e.g.: 

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or

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or

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Appropriate warnings will now be triggered when prescribing substances belonging to the new allergen groups.

Find Objects Query

To assist with this task, we have provided aFind Objects queryto capture all patients who have an adverse reaction recorded to a group whose name is equal to “Iodine-containing compounds”. To import it: 

1. Save “Patients with adverse reaction to Iodine-containing compounds.ihq”** **onto a suitable location**.**
2. Go to ***Report/Stored Queries***, click on the ***Import***icon and navigate to the file. 
3. You can adjust the query if required. 
4. Alternatively, you could set up a patient group with the same condition, if preferred.

If you have any queries about these changes, please contact our Support Team: 

Telephone: 0508300900     E-mail: [help@intrahealth.com](mailto\:help@intrahealth.com)

Appendix A 

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Detailed reasons for the change

Based on guidelines published by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), and Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), patients with allergies to seafood or iodine do not need to avoid iodinated contrast media (ICM). 

Moreover, there is no evidence that sensitivity to iodine predisposes patients to radiocontrast media hypersensitivity reactions. The most significant risk factor for iodinated contrast media (ICM) hypersensitivity is a history of ICM hypersensitivity.The hypersensitivity mechanism and chemical structural similarity underlying the cross-reactions between iodinated contrast media has yet to be established, but there is sufficient evidence that iodine is not the causative moiety. Therefore, iodinated contrast media have been separated from other iodine containing compounds.

In a case report, a patient with previous allergic reaction to an iodinated contrast media was successfully treated with radioactive iodine. The report suggests that allergy to radiocontrast media is not a contraindication to receiving radioactive iodine for scanning and/or treatment purposes. Therefore, radioactive iodine has been separated from other iodine containing compounds.

***

## Attachments

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